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IFR vs VFR in Aviation | Understanding the Differences

Pilot Institute

In this article, we will look at both methods as we discuss IFR vs. VFR flight. VFR is short for visual flight rules, meaning the pilot primarily controls and navigates the aircraft using outside visual references. IFR stands for instrument flight rules. There are fewer rules What you see is what you get.

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Avionics and cockpit automation

Professional Pilot

Under visual flight rules (VFR) during daytime, a pilot can operate with only basic gauges: an airspeed indicator, altimeter, compass, fuel gauges for each tank, and oil temperature, pressure, and engine RPM readings. The 91.205 minimum equipment rule is very rudimentary, and most aircraft today exceed these requirements.

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The Complete Home Flight Simulator Setup Guide (2025)

Pilot Institute

Or perhaps you’re designing a fully-fledged cockpit that rivals real-world flight training rigs. No matter the complexity, every flight sim setup has these three fundamental elements: The System The Simulator The Peripherals The System The system refers to the computer hardware that runs the simulator software.

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Is It Hard To Be A Pilot? – The Surprising Truth

Pilot Institute

It gives you the ability to fly in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Youll train how to rely on instruments instead of visual cues. Ongoing Training Youll have to spend a significant amount of time in training every year, both in the classroom and the cockpit. This includes flight reviews, which are usually bi-annual.

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Best IFR Ground School Online

Flying Magazine

This allows you to fly in low visibility, through clouds, and under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Completing ground school is a key part of instrument training because the knowledge is specialized and technically challenging. Additionally, it is specifically designed to apply directly to flight lessons.

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Don’t Stop at Private Pilot—10 Reasons to Get Your Instrument Rating Next

Inflight Pilot Training

An Instrument Rating is far more than a regulatory box to checkits one of the most empowering, safety-enhancing, and rewarding experiences youll have as a pilot. What Is an Instrument Rating? An Instrument Rating is an FAA certification that allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

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Airworthiness Requirements Explained

Pilot Institute

So together, let’s dig deeper into what “airworthy” really means, who’s responsible for keeping an aircraft that way, and how those requirements shape our decisions in the cockpit. The rules for airworthiness are written in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. It also needs to be legible to passengers or crew upon boarding.